Egypt holds some of the oldest Christian sites in the world. Coptic tradition traces the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt through Old Cairo, the monasteries of Wadi El Natrun and Middle Egypt, and the desert fathers founded monasticism here. In Sinai, St Catherine’s Monastery sits at the foot of the mountain associated with Moses.
For many Australians and New Zealanders there’s another heritage trail too: the ANZACs trained in the shadow of the Pyramids, and their graves lie in Cairo’s war cemeteries and at El Alamein. Our faith and heritage journeys are private and paced for reflection, and we can include church services, time for prayer and visits arranged with the monasteries.
Most journeys begin in Old Cairo, where the Hanging Church, the Church of Abu Serga, built over the cave where tradition says the Holy Family sheltered, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue stand a few minutes’ walk apart. Wadi El Natrun’s monasteries lie on the desert road towards Alexandria, and the Monastery of Al-Muharraq near Assiut marks what tradition holds as the southernmost point of the Holy Family’s journey.
What to expect
- The Holy Family route, from Old Cairo’s churches to the monasteries of Middle Egypt
- Wadi El Natrun’s desert monasteries and St Catherine’s at Mount Sinai
- The ANZAC sites: Mena Camp, Cairo’s war cemeteries and El Alamein
- Guides who know Coptic history and the Commonwealth war graves
- A reflective pace, with time for services and prayer
Christian and heritage tours at a glance
| Tour | Length | Pace | Ideal months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Egypt in 10 Days | 10 days | Active | April to May and September to November |
| Anzac Heritage and Egypt in 10 Days | 10 days | Moderate | November to March |
| Holy Family in Middle Egypt | 4 days | Moderate | November to March |
Christian and heritage tours: FAQs
What is the Holy Family route in Egypt?
It’s the path Coptic tradition says Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus took through Egypt, marked by churches and monasteries from Old Cairo and Wadi El Natrun to Middle Egypt. Our Christian sites guide describes the main stops.
Can we attend a church service in Egypt?
Yes. Coptic Orthodox liturgies are held at churches across Cairo and at the monasteries, and visitors are welcome; we can plan your days around a service.
Where are ANZAC soldiers buried in Egypt?
Mainly in the Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, the Heliopolis War Cemetery and the El Alamein War Cemetery, all cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. See ANZACs in Egypt.
Is St Catherine’s Monastery open to visitors?
It opens to visitors on set mornings, and the days and hours can change around religious holidays, so we confirm them for your dates before you travel.
